Complaining effectively can make your life better, but we often resort to anger and other poor methods of voicing our opinions. Master complainer Guy Winch, author of The Squeaky Wheel, has an easy way of making your complaints more effective: make a complaint sandwich. Meg Selig, writing for Psychology Today, explains:

Whip up a yummy "complaint sandwich." Start with an ear-opener-something that will help the recipient of the complaint become sympathetic. Add the meat-your actual request for redress of your grievances. Finish it off with a digestive-words that will increase the listener's motivation to help you. Short example: "I've been a customer of Slipshod Corporation for 5 years, and I've generally been happy with your service. Last month I noticed an extra charge on my account for a service I never ordered, and I would like that removed. I would really appreciate your help with this."